Category Archives: Romance

November 4, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: The Amish Midwife’s Hope by Barbara Cameron

Title: The Amish Midwife’s Hope by Barbara Cameron
Hearts of Lancaster County Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

A midwife and single father have a second chance at the family they’ve always dreamed of in this heartwarming Amish romance from award-winning author Barbara Cameron.

Widow Rebecca Zook adores her work delivering bopplin in her close-knit Amish community, but the young midwife secretly wonders if she’ll ever find love again or have a family of her own. When she meets handsome newcomer Samuel Miller, her connection with the widowed single father is immediate-Rebecca even bonds with his sweet little girl. It feels like a perfect match, yet Samuel seems hesitant . . .

In Paradise, Lancaster County, Samuel hoped to find the fresh start he and his dochder need . . . and perhaps a second chance for love. He never imagined he’d discover both so quickly and in one lovely, kind woman. But as Samuel falls for Rebecca, he worries that her job will only remind him of his past heartaches. Rebecca isn’t willing to sacrifice her beloved calling, but she is ready to embrace the future . . . if only Samuel can open his heart once more.

Review:

The Amish Midwife’s Hope by Barbara Cameron is a touching Amish romance.

Rebecca Zook’s career as a midwife helped her work through her grief when her husband died in a farming accident. She is dedicated to her patients so she is careful to monitor them for any problems that might arise during pregnancy or birth. Rebecca is a genuinely kind and compassionate woman who  is mostly successful in not dwelling on her fears and concerns.  She has not been ready for a new relationship despite introductions to available men.  Which explains why Rebecca is so surprised at her reaction when she meets newcomer Samuel Miller and his adorable six year old daughter Lizzie.

Samuel moved to Paradise, PA to escape the reminders of his beloved wife who passed away due to childbirth complications.  So far, the new beginning has been beneficial since his grief is finally abating. Samuel keeps busy with settling into his new home, caring for Lizzie and preparing the farm for winter.  Upon settling into the new community, Samuel is initially drawn to Rebecca. However, after learning she is a midwife, Samuel pulls away from her. When Lizzie brings him and Rebecca back together, will he allow his fears ruin their chance at love?

The Amish Midwife’s Hope is an sweet romance with a delightful cast of characters and engaging storyline. Rebecca and Samuel are an appealing couple whose relationship is an absolute delight to watch unfold. Lizzie is an little charmer who is impossible not to love. With a late in the story conflict to resolve, Barbara Cameron brings this heartwarming romance to a gratifying conclusion. Fans of the genre are going to love this first installment in the Hearts of Lancaster County series.

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Filed under Amish, Barbara Cameron, Contemporary, Forever, Hearts of Lancaster County Series, Rated B, Review, Romance, The Amish Midwifes Hope

November 2, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman

Title: A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman
The Amish Inn Novels Book One
Publisher: Zondervan
Genre: Contemporary, Amish, Romance
Length: 336 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

Both of them have vowed from the bottom of their broken hearts never to love again.

Sweet Naomi Byler cooks meals for the guests at The Peony Inn, where Amish sisters and owners of the inn Esther and Lizzie love her like a granddaughter. She’s as happy there as a young woman can be, considering that her fiancé, Thomas, has left her to court someone else. She knows she’ll get over the love of her life in due time, but she assumes marriage will never be a part of her future.

Amos Lantz and his mother are guests at the inn, visiting town for a cousin’s wedding. Attending a wedding is the last thing Amos wants to do since his own fiancée, Sarah, died tragically just a year ago.

Naomi and Amos understand each other’s grief and become quick friends when they discover their mutual love of painting. As the two begin to paint through their sadness together, Esther and Lizzie play matchmaker—a risky move with the potential to backfire. And when Thomas makes an unexpected return intending to win back Naomi, she realizes she no longer knows her own heart.

In this new Amish series from bestselling and award-winning novelist Beth Wiseman, true love takes root in the deepest of wounds.

Review:

The first installment in The Amish Inn Novels series, A Picture of Love by Beth Wiseman is a heartwarming novel of healing, faith and love.

Naomi Byler lives and works at The Peony Inn, a B&B owned by two widowed sisters, Esther Zook and Lizzie Glick.  The sisters love Naomi like a granddaughter and they want the best for her. Which is why they decide to do a little matchmaking when Amos Lantz and his mamm stay at their inn while in town for a wedding. 

Naomi is a warm-hearted and compassionate young woman. She is still trying to understand why Thomas ended their engagement and left town. Naomi is drawn to Amos as soon as they meet, but since her heart still belongs to Thomas, she is not looking for another relationship. She dearly loves Esther and Lizzie but she is frustrated by their recent matchmaking attempts. Naomi is firm when she asks them not to interfere but will the well-intentioned sisters honor her wishes?

Amos is still mourning the loss of his fiancée and he is dreading attending the wedding. He is quite observant and he notices the lingering shadows in Naomi’s eyes.  They decide to support each other at the upcoming wedding and they are surprisingly comfortable in each other’s presence.   Amos is taken off guard at his disappointment he will soon be leaving Naomi to return home.

After a little scheming by his mamm, Lizzie and Esther, Amos remains in town while taking care of some work around the inn. He and Naomi continue spending time together and they soon bond over their love of painting. Amos is a little shocked when he realizes his feelings toward Noami are deepening, but he is uncertain if she wants more than friendship. Naomi is also experiencing a sudden awareness of her own changing emotions but Thomas’s sudden reappearance provides an opportunity for a reunion. But after suddenly abandoning her months earlier, can she trust him with her heart again? And, most importantly, what will Naomi do about her feelings for Amos?

A Picture of Love is a charming Amish romance that is heartfelt and engaging. Amos and Naomi are delightful characters that are easy to love. Esther and Lizzie are quite entertaining and a secondary story arc involving one of the sisters adds unexpected depth to the storyline. With a slight misunderstanding between Amos and Naomi providing unexpected tension, Beth Wiseman brings this endearing romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion.  This first installment in The Amish Inn Novels series will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

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Filed under A Picture of Love, Amish, Beth Wiseman, Contemporary, Rated B+, Review, Romance, The Amish Inn Novels, Zondervan

October 28, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Sort of Dead by Rob Rosen

Title: Sort of Dead by Rob Rosen
Publisher: JMS Books LLC
Genre: Contemporary, Supernatural (Ghosts, Physic), Gay, Erotic, Romance
Length: 198 pages/Word Count: 65,171
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by the Author

Summary:

Nord wakes up to find himself sort of dead. Well, that is to say, he’s dead, alright — murdered, in fact — but not in heaven, at least not yet. In this limbo-like state, he meets Max and learns that everyone there is waiting for the final poof, hopefully to a better place. Only, with unfinished business back in the real world, like bringing his murderer to justice, Nord’s poof is nowhere in sight. So he and Max set out to find the killer and make things right again. Of course, that’s easier said than done when you’re nothing more than a couple of randy spirits.

With the help of Voltan, a diminutive mystic with a predilection for turbans, and Clark, a nerdy computer geek eager to shed his loner past, plus a ghost accountant Bruce, Bruce’s drag queen brother Eve O’Destruction, and Nord’s kick-ass mom, the newly enamored pair set out to hunt for the murderer, and are quick to discover how much they’d taken for granted when they were alive.

In this hysterically funny and often poignant mystery about fate and love and family, it ultimately takes dying for our heroes to have the times of their lives.

Review:

Sort of Dead by Rob Rosen is a madcap, ghostly mystery with romantic elements.

Nord wakes up to discover he was murdered and he is now in a heavenly holding room.  With Max to guide him through this disconcerting and unexpected twist in an otherwise normal life, they decide to try to figure out who killed him and why.  With assistance from a quirky yet lovable group, Nord and Max begin their hunt for a killer.

Nord, Max and their motley crew are wonderfully developed with plenty of um, interesting, eccentricities. The storyline is interesting with clever otherworldly abilities. The romance aspect is understated yet endearing. Fair warning-the romantic encounters are erotic. The search for Nord’s murderer yields vital clues but will their efforts uncover the motive and identity of the person responsible for his death?

Sort of Dead is a very entertaining mystery with a lively cast of eccentric characters.  The storyline is fast-paced, amusing and heartwarming.  Rob Rosen brings this zany mystery to a heartfelt, sigh-inducing romantic conclusion. Fans of the genre will enjoy this sometimes bittersweet but always engaging story!

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Filed under Contemporary, Erotic, Gay, Mystery, Rated B, Review, Rob Rosen, Romance, Sort of Dead, Supernatural Elements

October 18, 2020 · 11:58 pm

Review: Snapped by Alexa Martin

Title: Snapped by Alexa Martin
Publisher: Berkley
Playbook Series Book Four
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 352 pages
Book Rating: B+

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With the stakes this high, it’s no longer just a game for the Mustang’s quarterback in this romance by the author of Blitzed.

Elliot Reed is living her best life—or pretending to. She owes it to her dad’s memory to be happy and make the most of her new job as Strategic Communications Manager for the Denver Mustangs. Things are going well until star quarterback Quinton Howard Jr. decides to use the field as his stage and takes a knee during the national anthem.

As the son of a former professional athlete, Quinton knows the good, the bad, and the ugly about football. He’s worked his entire life to gain recognition in the sport, and now that he has it, he’s not about to waste his chance to change the league for better. Not even the brilliant but infuriating Elliot, who the Mustangs assign to manage him, will get Quinton back in line.

A rocky initial meeting leads to more tension between Quinton and Elliot. But as her new job forces them to spend time together, Elliot realizes they may have more in common than she could’ve imagined. With her job and his integrity on the line, this is one coin toss that nobody can win.

Review:

Snapped by Alexa Martin is a slow burn romance with a socially relevant storyline. Although this newest release is the fourth installment in the Playbook series, it can be read as a standalone.

Elliot “Elle” Reed is thrilled to have landed her dream job with the Denver Mustangs. Unfortunately she is immediately handed a potential PR disaster that could cost her the coveted position. As she works with Mustangs’ quarterback Quinton Howard Jr., Elle is immediately befriended by the  players’ significant others and she is completely enjoying their support. She is still deeply mourning the death of her father and her career decisions become entangled in her grief.  As her situation with the Mustangs’ owner becomes even more complicated,  Elle is caught between the  man she is beginning to love and the job that makes her feel close to her father.

Quinton starts off his first season with the Mustangs by blocking out the league’s name and taking a knee during the anthem.  Immediately stirring up controversy, his actions are not at all appreciated by the team owner and some of his fans. But Quinton is determined to draw attention to the racial inequality within the league and the lack of financial support for a certain set of retired players. With Elle’s help, he is able to set up a foundation and begin fundraising to raise awareness. Quinton is quite smitten with Elle, but her inability to acknowledge her own issues is not something he can ignore.

Elle is feisty, fun and good at her job.  But she is struggling with her insecurities about not fitting in. Raised by her white father to be colorblind, Elle is very uncomfortable when it comes to dealing with race relations. Working with Quinton makes it difficult for her to continue ignoring her growing awareness of what is happening around her. As their relationship gradually slides into a surprising romance, Elle makes a decision that jeopardizes her future with Quinton.

Snapped is a  thought-provoking romance that deals with true to life issues with sensitivity. Quinton is articulate about his issues and passionate about making positive changes within the football league. Elle initially wants to ensure she keeps her job, but she grows and transforms as she is forced to confront her own biases and reactions to racism.  Elle and Quinton’s relationship is wonderfully flirty, funny and sensual.  Alexa Martin’s latest addition to the Playbook delivers a powerful message that will resonate in today’s world.  I absolutely loved and highly recommend this captivating romance to fans of the genre.

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Filed under Alexa Martin, Berkley, Contemporary, Playbook Series, Rated B+, Review, Romance, Snapped

· 11:57 pm

Review: Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne

Title: Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne
Publisher: HQN Books
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 285 pages
Book Rating: B

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In the town of Silver Bells, there’s always a feeling of Christmas in the air… Let love—and RaeAnne Thayne—melt your heart this holiday season!

This New Year will bring widowed nurse Abigail Powell a fresh start in a different city. Excited about the chance to create an unforgettable Christmas for her young son in picturesque Silver Bells, Colorado, Abby has been hired to take care of her dear friend’s recuperating grandmother. But sprightly senior Winnie insists she doesn’t need looking after. What she does need is help decorating her historic mansion, Holiday House, for a seasonal town fundraiser. Abby warms to the festive task, but she’ll have to contend with her own personal Grinch: Winnie’s prickly grandson, Ethan Lancaster.

Ethan Lancaster is good at a lot of things. Relationships surely aren’t one of them. His ex-fiancée convinced Ethan he was incapable of love, and he believes her…up until the moment he impulsively kisses Abby. What is it about this vibrant woman and her sweet son that knocks his world off-kilter? He knows they’re leaving town after Christmas. He just didn’t expect they’d be taking a little of his heart with them. But as he and Abby work together on the magical Holiday House through the record cold weather, visions of a different future dance in his head…one filled with warmth, love and a new beginning for them both.

Review:

Christmas at Holiday House by RaeAnne Thayne is a delightfully charming holiday romance.

Abby Powell is in the process of relocating to Texas in order to start fresh as she finally feels ready to move on from the tragic loss of her husband. With free time on her hands, she and her adorable five year old son Christopher travel to Silver Bells, CO to help longtime friend Lucy Lancaster’s grandmother Winnie who recently injured herself in a fall.

Abby is adept at taking care of the spirited older woman but she is out of her depth as she helps decorate Winnie’s mansion for upcoming tours. She also tamps down her fears as Lucy’s brother Ethan offers to help Christopher experience winter sports for the first time. Although Abby never loses sight of her upcoming plans, she delights in the new friendships she is making as she helps Winnie with a charity event. She also fights her unexpected attraction to Ethan, who believes love is just not in the cards for him considering his failed engagement and turbulent childhood.  Will the upcoming holidays work a little magic for this well-matched but cautious couple?

Abby is a wonderful mom who is a little tentative but determined not hold her son back due to her own concerns. Although sometimes a little reluctant, she is surprised at how much she is enjoying helping Winnie.  Despite her contentment with everything Silver Bells has to offer, Abby does not seriously entertain thoughts about altering the plans she has already set in motion.  But will she change her mind as her feelings for Ethan deepen?

After his grandmother’s fall, Ethan returns home determined to convince Winnie to move into assisted living. He relents after Abby agrees to stay but he tries to spend more time with his grandmother. Ethan is surprised that he is so drawn to Abby and Christopher. He cannot forget his ex-fiancée’s harsh assessment of him when she ended their engagement. But as he realizes the depth of his emotions, will Ethan risk his heart again?

A secondary story arc involves Lucy and her strained relationship with longtime friend José Navarro.  After witnessing her parents’ volatile relationships throughout her childhood, Lucy moves frequently and refuses to enter into a committed relationship. She and  José spend time together every year but a few months ago, their relationship changed.  Due to her fears, Lucy pushes him away, but is she making a mistake by not giving him a chance?

Christmas at Holiday House is a light-hearted holiday romance with a lovely cast of characters and marvelous setting.  The storyline is well-written with realistic issues that will resonate with readers. The town Silver Springs is warmly inviting with kind-hearted residents. Old and new fans of RaeAnne Thayne are sure to enjoy this heartwarming and uplifting story of  friendship, healing and love.

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Filed under Christmas at Holiday House, Contemporary, HQN Books, RaeAnne Thayne, Rated B, Review, Romance

October 14, 2020 · 11:57 pm

Review: Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett

Title:v Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett
Misfits of Mayfair Series Book One
Publisher: Forever
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 368 pages
Book Rating: C

Complimentary Review Copy Provided by Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

In a “splendid Regency-set debut” for fans of bestselling authors Sarah MacLean, Lenora Bell, and Kerrigan Byrne, the rogue who once ruined Lady Charlotte’s reputation is now the only one who can save her (Publishers Weekly, Starred Review).

For exactly one season, Lady Charlotte Wentworth played the biddable female the ton expected — and all it got her was society’s mockery and derision. Now she’s determined to be in charge of her own future. So when an unwanted suitor tries to manipulate her into an engagement, she has a plan. He can’t claim to be her fiancé if she’s engaged to someone else. Even if it means asking for help from the last man she would ever marry.

Ethan, Viscount Amesbury, made a lot of mistakes, but the one he regrets the most is ruining Lady Charlotte’s reputation. Going along with her charade is the least he can do to clean the slate and perhaps earn her forgiveness. Pretending to be in love with the woman he’s never forgotten is easy. What isn’t easy is convincing her to give him a second chance.

Review:

The first installment in the Misfits of Mayfair series, Any Rogue Will Do by Bethany Bennett is a debut historical romance that is sweet and steamy.

Years earlier, Lady Charlotte “Lottie” Wentworth’s first season ended in embarrassment and humiliation at the hands of the newly titled Viscount Amesbury aka Ethan Ridley.  After retreating to her family home, tragic circumstances force Lottie manage the family estate as her father sinks into a prolonged grief.  Now with their estate running smoothly, her father is now emerging from mourning and he decides she will marry James Montague, the son of one his friends. Lottie has no interest in marrying Mr. Montague so she strikes a deal with her father to marry a man of her own choosing.

On her way to London to stay with her godmother Lady Agatha Dalrymple, a carriage accident strands her and her maid Lucia Darling at the same inn as Ethan. Lottie tries to stay out of the Ethan’s way since he is the man who besmirched her reputation and broke her heart all those years ago. But as circumstances continually force them into sharing each other’s company, Lottie realizes that Ethan has changed but will she forgive him?

Lottie is smart and knows her own mind. Although she is not exactly thrilled over her father’s ultimatum, she plans to select a husband that will allow her to maintain her independence.  Lottie does not want a love match; she instead is searching for a biddable man who will not object to her living in the countryside and managing her own estate.  She remains drawn to Ethan but even if she wanted to marry him, her father would never approve their match.

Ethan has matured and grown comfortable with his responsibilities of managing his estate. He is perfectly content to remain in the country and limit his time in London.  However, he is in need of a manager for his latest business venture.  So Ethan and his good friend  Lord Carlyle aka Cal are traveling to London when he crosses paths with Lottie. Genuinely remorseful, he issues a sincere and heartfelt apology for his behavior years earlier.  Despite his attraction to Lottie, Ethan knows there is no chance of a future with her. But once they are both in London, he finds it difficult to stay away from her.

Despite warnings from Darling, Agatha and Ethan, Lottie agrees to spend time in Mr. Montague’s company. Unfortunately she discovers the hard way that her friends were right about him but Lottie proves able to take care of herself. Afterwards, she and Ethan enter into a fake romance to keep her safe. As a vindictive war is waged against her, Lottie and Ethan hope the gossip will soon die down. As they grow closer, their friendship takes an unexpected turn but will Lottie let go of her marriage plans and turn her fake engagement into a real one?

Any Rogue Will Do is a charming historical romance with likable characters. The storyline is interesting but a little repetitive and the pacing is slow. Ethan and Lottie are a wonderful couple who share some very hot love scenes. With a late in the story conflict and predictable plot twist, Bethany Bennett brings this cute romance to a sigh-worthy conclusion.

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Filed under Any Rogue Will Do, Bethany Bennett, Forever, Historical, Misfits of Mayfair Series, Rated C, Review, Romance